Oak Park man sentenced to 57 years for armed robberies

A 42-year-old Oak Park man who was on parole for murder has been sentenced to 57 years in prison, without parole, for armed robberies that occurred in 2011.

Alfred Ross Wingate Jr. was convicted at a March jury trial. His sentencing was announced Tuesday in a press release from U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade's office.

Wingate is a multi-convicted felon on parole for murder, according to the release. He was convicted of conspiring with seven others to commit bank and pharmacy robbery between May 18 and July 11, 2011.

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"Wingate was one of two gunmen who robbed the Grosse Pointe Woods branch of Citizens Bank on May 18, 2011, Medicap Pharmacy in Warren on June 18, 2011 and Ferndale Pharmacy on July 11, 2011," the release states.

U.S. District Judge Arthur J. Tarnow sentenced Wingate.

"Violent criminals who use guns can expect to be charged in federal court, where they face long prison sentences," McQuade stated in the release.

"Armed robberies risk a loss of life that we cannot tolerate."

FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert D. Foley III also made a statement.

"Violent criminals who use guns to threaten lives during robberies and other crimes will face severe penalties for their illegal acts," he stated.

"The FBI is committed to working with its law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of our communities."